Denlethen Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured tourist spot, Denlethen Wood sits just outside Laurencekirk and delivers exactly what you want from a forest ramble in Aberdeenshire - tall pines, decent paths, and enough peace to actually hear yourself think. The woodland has that lovely Scottish Highland quality where the trees crowd in close and the light filters through in shafts, and you've got enough routes to either spend an afternoon exploring or knock out a quick forty-minute circuit if time's tight.

It's ideal for walkers who fancy something low-key without the crowds you'd hit at more famous spots, and families with primary-school-age kids will find it absorbing enough - the paths are well-trodden and the forest has that slightly mysterious feel that gets children interested. Don't expect dramatic views or a visitor centre; this is woodland for the sake of it, which is precisely why it works.

No entrance fees or opening hours to worry about, so you can turn up whenever suits. Autumn's particularly good here when the light's softer and the ground's cushioned with needles. Pair it with a stay at St Cyrus Holiday Park nearby - only four-odd miles away - and you've got a solid morning activity that won't dominate your day but won't feel wasted either. It's the sort of place that reminds you why people actually like walking in forests.